Castianeira
occidens Clubionidae (Sac Spiders) A colorful and very fast moving spider that is not frequently
observed in the arachnid world. This specimen was
captured in the picnic area in April 2002. It is a female, we need to find
a male. If you are game... keep your eyes peeled and a container handy.
So far, this spider has not bitten three of us that have handled it. Of
course it was accidental each time we "handled" her, she moved so fast
it was hard to keep her corralled. She actually got away from us - twice!
We feel fortunate to have found her again - twice! She's very easy to spot
in grass.

Message from Margorie Moody: While reading the Castianeira literature,
I see that the red backed species of this genus are referred to as "Mutillid
Wasp mimics", which means that their coloration and quick, darting locomotion
may be used to protect them from predators by making them look like the
VERY POISONOUS red-backed velvet ants.
If you should spot a critter that looks like Castianeira be sure to look
twice before picking it up - make darn sure it is not a velvet ant! Castianeira
are not dangerous, however, as in all invertabrates, they will probably
bite to protect themselves.